Business Details
19 Years
experience
Pilgrims Football Club | Grassroots Football in Ashford
Pilgrims Football Club was established in 2007 as a grassroots football organisation based in Great Chart, Ashford. Our club provides inclusive football opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, operating under core values of teamwork, respect, and community engagement. With dedicated volunteer coaches and structured youth/adult teams, we focus on player development, competitive participation, and fostering lifelong football passion.Affiliated with Kent FA, we maintain safeguarding standards and collaborate with local schools and businesses to ensure accessible, high-quality facilities. Our volunteer-led committee prioritises player welfare while building strong community partnerships through regular fixtures, tournaments, and training programmes.
Services
Youth Football Teams
Adult Football Teams
Community Training Sessions
Player Development Programmes
Local Football Tournaments
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Established in 2007 with proven grassroots football expertise
- Inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities
- Dedicated volunteer coaches with professional development pathways
- Strong community partnerships with local schools and businesses
- Kent FA affiliated with comprehensive safeguarding protocols
Services
Youth Football Teams
Structured football development for children aged 8-15 through competitive Under 8 to Under 15 teams. Professional coaching focuses on technical skills, tactical awareness, and sportsmanship. Regular fixtures and tournaments build match experience while maintaining safeguarding standards.
Adult Football Teams
Competitive Saturday Mens and Veterans teams for adult players. League participation and friendly matches maintain fitness and competitive spirit. Training sessions develop tactical understanding while fostering community connections through team activities.
Community Training
Weekly training programmes for all ability levels with FA qualified coaches. Sessions focus on technical drills, positional play, and physical conditioning. Winter training available at Ashford Prep School and Stanhope Road pitches for year-round development.
Player Pathways
Progressive player development from grassroots to competitive levels. Individualised coaching plans with performance tracking. Pathways connect youth teams to adult squads, ensuring continuous football progression within the club structure.
Community Engagement
Collaborations with schools, businesses, and local authorities to promote football accessibility. Joint initiatives include school programmes, charity events, and facility improvements. Volunteer opportunities support club operations while strengthening community ties.
People
Kyran Wilford
Honorary Life President
Founding member with 17 years' grassroots football experience. Oversees strategic direction and community engagement while maintaining safeguarding standards across all club activities.
Anthony Carpenter
Chairperson
Club executive with decade-long involvement in local football governance. Manages committee operations and external partnerships to ensure sustainable club development and regulatory compliance.
Sam Coughlan
Vice-Chairperson
Experienced football administrator responsible for financial oversight and coach development programmes. Implements training initiatives to maintain professional coaching standards across all age groups.
Chelsea Pilbeam
Club Secretary
Youth football coordinator managing team registrations and player development pathways. Ensures smooth operation of youth teams while maintaining communication between coaches, parents, and players.
Peter Hardy
Head of Welfare
Safeguarding lead implementing Kent FA protocols across all club activities. Provides mental health first aid training and ensures child protection policies are rigorously maintained throughout the organisation.
Questions
How can my child join Pilgrims Football Club teams?
Visit our website to complete the online registration form or contact our youth coordinator Chelsea Pilbeam directly through the club's contact page.
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer teams from Under 8 through Under 15 levels alongside adult Saturday Mens and Veterans teams for senior players.
Where are your training facilities located?
Winter training sessions take place at Ashford Prep School and Stanhope Road pitches, with summer training at our main Chart Road ground.
Do you offer coaching opportunities for aspiring coaches?
Yes, we provide FA coaching qualifications through our development programmes and offer assistant coaching roles with experienced mentors.
How does the club support player development?
Our structured pathways connect youth teams to adult squads with individualised coaching plans and regular performance assessments by qualified staff.
What community initiatives does the club participate in?
We collaborate with local schools on football programmes, organise charity events, and maintain partnerships with Ashford businesses for facility improvements.
